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These are the top asked questions asked by buyers before purchasing a soundbar in 2020.
SoundBar Buyer’s Guide
Q: What is the difference between 2.1 and 5.1 sound bars?
A: It is one of the most frequently asked questions and one must know about it to make a wise decision. Basically, a 2.1 system has 2 channels i.e. right, left and a subwoofer. While a 5.1 soundbar has 5 channels front right, front left, center, rear left and rear light with one subwoofer as well. Keep in mind, the first number represents the number of channels a soundbar has while the digit after the period represents the number of subwoofers in it. 1 represents a subwoofer while 0 means there is no subwoofer in the soundbar.
Q: What brand is the best soundbar?
A: When it’s about soundbars the choices are infinite. They are available in different sizes and shapes. They range in price from $100 to several thousand. Here’s the link to the best soundbars under $150. Surprisingly, every brand smartly caters a wide range of audience having specific demands by offering both high-end and low-end sound bars. Definitely, the high-end will be a bit pricey as they have slightly additional features comparatively. Samsung, Boss, Sony, LG, Philips, Sonos, Yamaha, Panasonic, Coby, Funai, Boston Acoustic, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, Klipsch are some of the brands offering top-notch soundbars.
Q: Can you use any soundbar on any TV?
A: Yes, because the manufacturers try their best to make the soundbars compatible with almost all TV models and brands. Moreover, the majority of the TV models make use of HMDIs now for easy installation. However, it doesn’t mean that it is not possible without HDMI, just hook up your home theater devices to the TV then connect the TV’s audio output to the soundbar and voila.
Q: What is the 5.1 channel soundbar?
A: A 5.1 soundbar has 5 channels (front right, front left, center, rear left and rear light) and a subwoofer. It is mainly considered as the standard audio component of digital music and broadcast.
Q: What is 3.1 channel soundbar?
A: 3.1 soundbar is a four channel system comprises of 3 channels i.e. left, right and the center one with a subwoofer. Left and right channels are mainly used for ambiance, effect, music and other stereo sounds while the center one is used for dialogues mainly.
TIP: You may use these soundbars with an outdoor projector as well.
Q: Are sound bar good for music?
A: NO, they are not. To be honest, a quality soundbar sounds much better than an ordinary home theater but are better for movies and dramas, not the music. So, if you are more into music than you should go for stereo speakers rather than the soundbars.
Q: Are soundbars good for gaming?
A: To some extent, no doubt, soundbars are better than the normal TV and PC speakers, but are not as good as that of the surround set up especially for gaming. However, a soundbar is certainly a worth taking option depending on the shape/ size of the room and viewing/sitting position of the player. Try to buy the one that is pretty loud and make you hear every minute detail clearly including the birds whispering and wind howling.
Consider a high-end brand like Samsung for gaming, as they are well detailed and do not give the feel of artificial sound like the cheap ones. Make sure mid, lows and highs work magically.
By the way, if you are interested, we have got great buying guides and reviews on gaming monitors, best gaming monitors under $100, Under $200, for PS4 and xBox, portable monitors and a proper guide on monitors.
Q: Are soundbars good for large rooms?
A: Yes, it is. For a large room, you need to buy a powerful soundbar that sounds clearly and loudly in an open space. Try to buy a unit with a subwoofer for more clarity, especially the one having wireless subwoofers. Brands like Sony, Samsung, Visio and many more offer top-notch models for big spaces. 5.1 soundbars are the standard ones consider ideal for 42 inches and more TVs. However, you can also go for 7.1 channel soundbar for your larger rooms or TV lounges. A 7.1 is an 8 channel audio system mainly used in the home theater arrangements. You can even put it behind your upholstered beds.
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